PORTSMOUTH — The city has started the process of transitioning from the iPark in-vehicle parking meter system to EasyPark.

EasyPark provides a convenient way for customers to purchase parking in Portsmouth and Dover with more communities to follow in the future. Customers pay only for the time they actually park, and avoid having to search for change or stand in line at pay and display terminals.

As part of that process, Portsmouth owners of the iPark devices may exchange their units for the EasyPark devices at the Portsmouth Department of Public Works through Friday, Jan. 18. Customers were notified via email last week and have been switching their units since Monday at the city’s public works department located at 680 Peverly Hill Road in Portsmouth. Those who did not receive notification of the transition may exchange their devices through the end of the week. After that time, units may be exchanged at the parking clerk’s office in the Portsmouth City Hall located at 1 Junkins Ave. in Portsmouth. Details related to the exchange process, and downloadable exchange forms, are available online at www.cityofportsmouth.com/transportation/news-ipark.htm.

Starting Feb. 1, iPark units will no longer be honored as the access required to update the devices for the new parking rates and time limits is no longer available. Those who choose not to move to the EasyPark system may apply to receive refunds for the balance of funds displayed on their devices. Contact Tom Cocchiaro, parking operations supervisor, at (603) 766-1440 or email tacocchiaro@cityofportsmouth.com for details.

Those first-time customers who’d like to purchase an EasyPark unit may do so online by going to www.easyparkusa.com/portsmouth. Cost for the devices is $19.95 plus shipping. To help new customers get started right away, the city is providing EasyPark units ordered before July 1 with a $10 pre-loaded credit. The city is also working to set up procedures that will allow new customers to purchase the EasyPark devices locally.